Visit the Exhibition

Through portraits and objects "1812: A Nation Emerges" narrates this pivotal event in American history and highlights individuals who influenced events, such as President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison, General Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun and the powerful Indian leader Tecumseh.

Beyond American history, "1812: A Nation Emerges" views the war in its international context and includes portraits of the major British generals who crossed the Atlantic to fight for king and country. It also follows the stories of slaves, pirates, sailors, artists, architects, Native Americans, and women during this time. The curator is senior historian, Sidney Hart and assistant guest curator, Rachael Penman.

The exhibition has additional portraits not included in this website, and is on display from June 15, 2012, through January 27, 2013. The curators are Senior Historian Sidney Hart and Assistant Guest Curator Rachael L. Penman.

The National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, tells the stories of America through the individuals who have shaped U.S. culture. Through the visual arts, performing arts, and new media, the Portrait Gallery portrays poets and presidents, visionaries and villains, actors and activists who speak American history.

Location: The National Portrait Gallery is conveniently located at Eighth and F Streets, NW, in Washington D.C., above the Gallery Place–Chinatown Metrorail station (red, yellow, and green lines).